The Canadian government has denied visa applications for Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and several other senior military officials.

This was made known by General Musa on Thursday. He disclosed this during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja.

Describing the visa denial as both embarrassing and disappointing, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) emphasized the need for Nigeria to strengthen its self-reliance.

“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event honoring our veterans—those injured in battle. We were invited alongside our team, but while half of the delegation was granted visas, the other half was denied. It’s very disappointing,” Musa stated.

He further remarked that the incident serves as a reminder for Nigeria to “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation, and ensure it is no longer taken for granted.”

No official reason for the visa denial has been provided by the Canadian government at this time.